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Which Are The Top 5 Best Summer Fabrics For Hot Sunny Days?
When the sun starts to shine a bit warmer, sewists have to pull out the summer fabrics and think about how to transform them into something beautiful and fashionable, yet functional. With the heavy winter and autumn coats out of the way, creating clothes suitable for warm weather sounds like a breeze doesn’t it?
Well, that’s not exactly the case. Choosing the right fabric for the summer season might be harder than it seems. The sewing isn’t a piece of cake either since many times the materials are slicker and hard to handle. At the same time, the clothing pieces have to be light, breathable, and comfortable.
In fact, the range of fabric is quite limited since the wool, polyester, jersey, knit and the like certainly aren’t the kind of materials you want touching your skin when temperatures are high.
So what are the most suitable summer fabrics? Let’s find out!
What Are The Main Features Of Summer Fabrics?
To determine what fabrics are the best for the summer season, we have to take a lot of things into consideration. Sure, it will be the most comfortable if we could wear bikinis outside the beach, but the reality is far from it. While it is a period when people are taking some time off work, in most cases the vacation ends in about two weeks.
After that, you are coming back to your routine and have to handle the high temperatures the best way you can. So, you will need some proper non-beach attire, suitable for work. In this case, see-throw materials are off the table as they are quite inappropriate for workplaces, banks, or government institutions.
The main features of summer fabric are that they have to be:
- Breathable
- Comfortable
- Light
- Decent and non-see-throw (for the workplace)
- Easy to maintain
Image credit: @Pixabay
Fitting these requirements, are the following materials:
- Linen
- Cotton
- Rayon
- Silk
- Kadi fabric
1. Light Linen
When it comes to summer fabrics, linen is the one with a crown on its head. Made from fibers derived from the flax plant, it is light and comfortable, with a quite interesting texture.
A porous weave allows air to flow easily and reflects heat better, while at the same time has great sweat absorbing ability. If the summer rain catches you on the open while wearing the trendy Minibee’s linen blouse, dress or pants, it is the best scenario since this fabric dries out quite quickly.
One of the oldest fabrics in the world that has been worn through the centuries is considering as one of the lightest options for hot days.
Cons: Tends to wrinkle easily and has almost no elasticity
Linen fabric
Image credit: @Pixabay
2. Widely Popular Cotton Fabric
Cotton is a unique fabric suitable for all seasons, summer included. Light, soft and fluffy, offers comfort in all kinds of climates. Right after linen, it is one of the most popular materials for heated sunny days. One of its many advantages is its affordability and durability, as well as its ability to absorb moisture quite well.
Since its made from a natural fiber that lets air move freely through the fabric it allows the skin to breathe. Hot humid conditions are where cotton excels, so clothing made from this fabric is the most popular one in tropical countries.
Cons: Sweat stains in lighter colored cotton can be quite visible.
Image credit: @Pixabay
3. Versatility Of Rayon
This man-made fabric from the natural cellulose of trees can be manipulated to have the feel and texture of linen, cotton, and silk. It is recommendable for dry heat since it is light and comfortable, while also absorbs humidity well. There are many applications for this versatile material, so the rayon is very in-demand during the summer season, especailly in the form of trendy shirts like the ones by Van Heusen .
Cons: Tends to age poorly. Not eco-friendly.
4. Luxurious Silk – Can We Put It On The List Of Ideal Summer Fabrics?
This elegant fabric might not cross your mind when the summer season is in question. It tends to retain heat and moisture leading to perspiration marks, it is slippery and quite delicate. Still, if you have a gala event in the summer evening, it will make you feel glamorous and refine.
If that’s the case, choose silk blends. They are lighter and softer versions of silk that doesn’t stick to the body, without losing the touch of elegance. Regardless of these features, they aren’t recommended for wear when the scorching sun is in its peak, but for cooler summer nights.
Cons: Quite delicate require special treatment.
5. Khadi Or Mahatma Yarn
Popularized by Mahatma Gandhi who was weaving this fabric in its public appearances, khadi is also known by the name Mahatma yarn. It has been revived by India’s Prime Minister Modi, whose signature wear is the pastel-shaded kurtas and jackets made from khadi fabric, and these days it can be seen in the collections of many famous fashion designers.
Made from fine threads of cotton it is eco-friendly, light, and breathable, making it a perfect answer for a sweltering hot summer day. However, it’s not so popular like cotton and linen clothes since it comes in limited styles, most commonly in a form of Kurta shirts and tunics.
Cons: Itchy, hard fabric. Only can be hand-washed.
The following vide is showing how khadi fabric is being reinvented by Indian fashion designers:
Conclusion
Overall, there are three main qualities to look at when selecting summer fabrics: weight, breathability, and comfort. Guide yourself with a simple rule – light and airy materials are the most ideal for the hot season. Fabrics made from natural fibers are always a good choice, which is at the same time eco-friendly solution.
As an additional tip, it is advisable to keep in mind the color of your clothes in the days with high temperatures. Darker tones might be your preference, but they will make you feel even hotter as they attract the sunbeams. On the other hand, summer fabrics in lighter, vibrant colors reflect the light and heat. Besides, what better season to experiment with colors than summer?
